Upon arriving in Kyiv via a special train from Poland, Prime Minister Modi was welcomed by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of this visit amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Modi presented four BHISHM Cubes to the Ukrainian government, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for this humanitarian aid, noting that the BHISHM Cubes would play a crucial role in speeding up the treatment of the injured and saving lives.
PM Modi described the Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) as a distinctive effort aimed at ensuring the rapid deployment of medical facilities. These cubes are equipped with medicines and medical equipment essential for providing care.
Understanding BHISHM
The Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog Hita & Maitri (BHISHM) is an innovative project under India’s Project Aarogya Maitri, designed to deliver emergency medical care in conflict zones and disaster-stricken areas. BHISHM Cubes are compact and easily deployable units, stocked with essential medicines, equipment, and supplies to address a range of medical emergencies. Each cube is specifically designed for easy transportation and effective use, ensuring quick and efficient delivery of medical aid to those in need.
The BHISHM initiative is engineered for rapid deployment and ease of use. The cubes are small, cubical boxes measuring 15 inches and weighing up to 20 kg. They are packed with relevant medicines and medical equipment, tailored to meet the needs of different types of injuries and medical conditions that may arise during emergencies.
These mini cubes are designed to fit on an adjustable and sturdy framework, allowing for transport via air, sea, land, or even drones. They are lightweight enough to be carried by individuals, adding flexibility to their deployment. A set of 36 mini cubes forms a mother cube, and two such mother cubes combine to create a BHISHM Cube, each catering to various aspects of emergency care.
The first mother cube is equipped with medicines and supplies for an initial medical response, including care for various injuries, as well as shelter and food provisions for a team of five for up to 48 hours. The second mother cube contains surgical instruments, enabling the setup of a basic operating room capable of performing 10-15 surgeries daily.
The initiative also includes a cutting-edge inventory management system that uses RFID technology for real-time updates on stock levels. Additionally, a BHISHM app and digital tablet, available in approximately 180 languages, provide instructional videos to ensure that medical personnel can efficiently use the equipment.